GHS ends celebrations with church service

The St. Vincent Girls’ High School (GHS) wrapped up its Centenary Celebrations on Sunday, May 8, 2011 with an Ecumenical Service at the Kingstown Methodist Church.{{more}}

Delivering the sermon, GHS Alumna Laura Anthony-Browne encouraged those present to put off their weight of sins that may easily beset them as Christian people. Browne based her sermon on Hebrews 12: 1-2.

Browne challenged the congregation to think of the things in their own lives that keep them from moving forward as women and men of faith, adding that things such as not speaking the truth, gossip, loving pleasures of this world and vanity, among others, are some of the sins that beset Christian people.

She, however, stated that the Bible presents an assurance, that once sins are confessed you will be forgiven. She further encouraged the congregation to do so in order to run the race ahead as Christians.

Browne also urged the GHS to continue its legacy and to move forward with confidence, knowing that they are surrounded by great supporters.

Browne also appealed to parents who make it a practice to allow their daughters to do what they please, noting that it was not a good practice and encouraging them to raise their children in the fear of the Lord.

She further appealed to the men who are “not very concerned about their own salvation and faith,” who may take advantage of young girls, to desist from doing so and allow them to be children.

The service also featured brief greetings by several officials and past students, who commended the GHS on their achievements and offered advice for the years to come.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Girlyn Miguel commended the school on its 100 years of existence, adding that it was the guidance of the Heavenly Father that made it possible.

Maxwell Charles Minister of National Reconciliation, Public Service and Ecclesiastical Affairs reminded the congregation that it is righteousness which exalts a nation and also congratulated the GHS, stating that the school has become a pillar in education.

Brief remarks also came from the Headmaster of the St. Vincent Grammar School and President of the Association of Principals of Secondary Schools Frank Jones, who congratulated the GHS, stating that the school has not only existed, but it has thrived. He also encouraged the school to continue to develop girls of this nation and to let God be the centre of everything. Greetings also came from Dr. Joyce Toney, who represented GHS Alumnae in the USA; Petrina Ballantyne Vanden Top, representing alumnae in Toronto and from Caroline Marshall – Fairburn, on behalf of alumnae in the United Kingdom.

Intercessory prayers were offered for the Nation by Permanent Secretary Nicole Bonadie-Baker; for the Church, by Clerk of the House Nicole Herbert; for families, by Sylvina Roberts, executive member of the Parent-Teacher Association; for all Institutions of Learning, by Chief Education Officer Lou-Ann Gilchrist and for the GHS by Headmistress of the GHS Andrea Bowman.

The service also featured singing by the Centenary mass choir, conducted by former Headmistress Jeanne Horne; a solo by present student Trizanna Atkins and performances by the GHS Steel Orchestra and Alumnae Steel Orchestra. An offertory was taken and dedicated to the victims of the recent flash floods in the north of the island.

The coordinator of the ecumenical service was alumna Annelle Thomas.

The GHS centenary celebrations were held under the theme “100 years of Excellence, Where Tradition meets Tomorrow”.